Struggling with difficult news

Emmalevine · #1 12-03-2015, 10:46 AM

I'm having a tough time at the moment with difficult news from all directions. I already knew that my father has advanced cancer, he was diagnosed last summer and is on hormone treatment which has been helping so far although a cure isn't possible. Next week he is seeing the consultant to check the status of his cancer and he is very worried as his P levels (or whatever the cancer markers are) had increased last time. Not by much, but still an increase.

Now there's my mother. She's been having major health issues for the last year and was diagnosed with pulmonary edema last year as the result of heart failure. She's on pills for that but is more breathless now. She keeps going...very strong woman my mother. A few weeks back she began bleeding and we found out this week her diagnosis is a very rare uterine cancer. It's so rare that no treatment plan has been developed. More is known about which particular options work best for other types of uterine cancer. This one is so rare that her oncologist said he's only ever seen four cases with it in his 40 years or something like that. Anyway, mum is undergoing a hysterectomy in a fortnight and it may be other things as well. She is having scans first to see if it has spread. Apparently a high percentage of this cancer has spread on diagnosis since it is very aggressive and carries a poor prognosis.

I thought I was okay...for a day or so I read all I could about the diagnosis even though mum warned me it was bleak. Reading and knowing is my way of coping. But I haven't stopped shaking internally and I'm struggling to eat anything substantial. It struck me the other night that I complete my degree next year and will graduate but there;s a chance one or both parents might not be there to see it. I've had a difficult relationship with my parents and a painful childhood but they have always been proud of me academically. They want to attend the graduation.

I'm dreading the news of what her cancer staging is. I'm also dreading that my father's cancer is progessing. Both of them! It's just a nightmare. I'm ill myself and practically it's a struggle to cope never mind emotionally.

I just needed to get this off my chest in a place where I've felt so understood since 2007. Thanks for listening. I'd appreciate any healing you could send for them.

#2 12-03-2015, 11:18 AM

I feel for you Starbuck, I really do

life is so hard sometimes, the only thing I can suggest ( not really helpful in your situation ) is to take each day as it comes, dont let the tommorows ruin your todays with your Parents. Try and look after yourself also as its important, you need strength to cope with your sorrows. I can,t offer you anymore, wish I could, take care.

Miss Hepburn · #3 12-03-2015, 11:34 AM

I love you, Starbuck.

xo

knightofalbion · #4 12-03-2015, 01:52 PM

Sending you love and healing thoughts ...

Life throws up many trials and tribulations, many challenges. Sometimes you might wonder how ever you'll get through it, but somehow you do. You do.

Stay strong, dear soul.